Q.1 Explain Pascal triangle and Polynomial approximation to various problems.

Ans. Pascal's triangle is a triangular array of the binomial coefficients. It is used for determining the appropriate
displacement field in finite element analysis.

It is a technique of including the appropriate number of terms in the displacement model. It also gives an idea about the
number of nodes required for the completion of the selected polynomial.

PASCAL’S TRIANGLE

Polynomial shape function - This function is commonly used for the following reasons

Differentiation and integration of the polynomial becomes easy

Using polynomial any function can be approximated reasonably well. If a function is highly nonlinear we may have to
approximate with higher order polynomial. Fig. 5.1 shows approximation of a nonlinear one-dimensional function by
polynomials of different order.
One dimensional function

A general one-dimensional polynomial shape function of nth Order is given by,

Two-dimensional function

A general form of two-dimensional polynomial model is

Three-dimensional function

A general three-dimensional shape function of nth order complete polynomial is given by

Q.2 Write a short note on static condensation.

Ans. A practical method of accomplishing the reduction of the number of degrees of freedom and hence the reduction
of the stiffness matrix, is to identify those degrees of freedom to be condensed as secondary degrees of freedom, and to
express them in terms of the remaining primary degrees of freedom. The relationship between secondary and primary
degrees of freedom is found by establishing the static relation between them, hence the name Static Condensation
Method. This relationship provides the means to reduce the number of unknowns in the system stiffness matrix
equation. In order to describe the Static Condensation Method, assume that those secondary degrees of freedom to be
reduced or condensed are arranged in the first s nodal coordinates and the remaining primary degrees of freedom are
the last p nodal coordinates. With such an arrangement the stiffness equation for a structure may be written using
partitioned matrices as

{𝐹}𝑠 [𝐾]𝑠𝑠 [𝐾]𝑠𝑝 {𝑈}𝑠

{ }=[ ] { }
{𝐹}𝑝 [𝐾]𝑝𝑠 [𝐾]𝑝𝑝 {𝑈}𝑝

[𝐾]𝑠𝑠 {𝑈}𝑠 + [𝐾]𝑠𝑝 {𝑈}𝑝 = {𝐹}𝑠

[𝐾]𝑝𝑠 {𝑈}𝑠 + [𝐾]𝑝𝑝 {𝑈}𝑝 = {𝐹}𝑝

Q.3 Write the properties of shape function and support your answer with one example.

Ans. Properties of shape function are-

1. Each shape function has a value of one at its own node and zero at the other node.

2. The sum of all the shape functions = 1.

3. The shape functions are always the polynomials of the same type as the original interpolation equation.

4. The may be linear or quadratic functions satisfying the conditions such as

(a) their first derivatives must be infinite within the element.

(b) the displacements must be continuous across element boundary.

Q.4 Explain compatability conditions with two examples.

Ans: For continuous solids we have defined strains as displacements per unit length. In order to calculate absolute
displacements at a point we must integrate the strains with respect to a fixed boundary condition. This integration can
be conducted over many different paths. A solution is compatible if the displacement at all points is not a function of
the path. Therefore, a displacement compatible solution involves the existence of a uniquely defined displacement field.

In the analysis of a structural system of discrete elements, all elements connected to a joint, or node point, must have the
same absolute displacement. If the node displacements are given, all element deformations can be calculated from the
basic equations of geometry. In a displacement based finite element analysis, node displacement compatibility is
satisfied. However, it is not necessary that the

Displacements along the sides of the elements are compatible if the element passes the "patch test".

A finite element passes the patch test "if a group (or patch) of elements, of arbitrary shape, is subjected to node
displacements associated with constant strain; and, the results of a finite element analysis of the patch of elements yield
constant strain". In the case of plate bending elements, the application of a constant curvature displacement pattern at
the nodes must produce constant curvature within a patch of elements. If an element does not pass the patch test it
may not converge to the exact solution. Also, in the case of a coarse mesh, elements that do not pass the patch test may
produce results with significant errors.

Q.5 List out some computer software packages available for FEM. Mention their general capabilities.

Ans. Software’s available for FEM are

1.Ansys - Ansys develops and markets finite element analysis software used to simulate engineering problems. The
software creates simulated computer models of structures, electronics, or machine components to simulate strength,
toughness, elasticity, temperature distribution, electromagnetism, fluid flow, and other attributes. Ansys is used to
determine how a product will function with different specifications, without building test products or conducting crash
tests. For example, Ansys software may simulate how a bridge will hold up after years of traffic. Typically, Ansys break
down larger structures into small components that are each modelled and tested individually. A user may start by
defining the dimensions of an object, and then adding weight, pressure, temperature and other physical properties.
Finally, the Ansys software simulates and analyses movement, fatigue, fractures, fluid flow, temperature distribution,
and other effects over time.

2.Alger

3.Cosmos - COSMOS is a design analysis automation application fully integrated with SolidWorks. This software uses the
Finite Element Method (FEM) to simulate the working conditions of designs and predict their behaviour. FEM requires
the solution of large systems of equations. Powered by fast solvers, COSMOS makes it possible for designers to quickly
check the integrity of their designs and search for the optimum solution.

4.Stardyne

5.Images-3D

6.Cafem

7.NSA

8.Adina - ADINA is the acronym for Automatic Dynamic Incremental Nonlinear Analysis. The ADINA program consists of
core modules, they are-

ADINA Structures for linear and nonlinear analysis of solids and structures

ADINA CFD for analysis of compressible and incompressible flows

These can be used fully coupled together to solve Multiphysics problems, where the response of the system is affected
by the interaction of several distinct physical fields (e.g. fluid-structure interaction, fluid flow-mass transfer coupling,
electromagnetic forces on fluids and structures, etc.)

It includes a graphical user interface known as AUI, which can be used to import solid models, and finite element
models.

9.MSC Nastran

10.SAP

Q.6 With reference to finite element method briefly explain the following

a. Assumed trial solution b. domain residual c. the weighted sum of the domain residual finite elements d. shape
function

Ans.

Q.7 Explain various methods of determination of shape function.

Ans:- Various methods are:

1. Polynomials shape function

Polynomials are commonly used as shape functions. There are two reasons for using them:-
a. They are easy to handle mathematically, i.e. differentiation and integration of polynomial is easy.
b. Using polynomial any function can be approximated reasonably well.
 Shape functions in terms of natural coordinate system:-

Using polynomial functions and natural coordinate system, shape functions can be derived

easily. This approach makes it possible to find shape functions for more elements.

Finding shape function using LaGrange polynomials:-

1. If only continuity of basic unknown (displacement) is to be satisfied. Lagrange

Polynomials can be used to derive shape functions. Lagrange polynomial in one

Dimension is defined by:-

n
x  xm
Lk ( x )  m 1 xk  xm
mk
 Thus if n=s and k=3,

( x  x1 )( x  x2 )(x  x 3 )(x  x 5 )
L3 ( x) 
( x  x1 )( x  x2 )(x  x 4 )(x  x 5 )

Equation 1st takes the value equal to zero at all points except at point k. at point ‘k’ its value

is unity. This is exactly the property required for the interpolation functions. Hence lagrange

Polynomial can be straight way used as shape functions for one dimensional problems.

2. For 2D elements:-

N1  L1 ( )L1 ( )